Summary
The United States has secured a deal for preferential access to cobalt and copper in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a peace agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda. This move aims to reduce China’s control over critical mineral supply chains and boost U.S. competition in important industries like electric vehicles and smartphones.
Key Facts
- The U.S. secured access to DR Congo's cobalt and copper reserves.
- A peace deal was brokered between DR Congo and Rwanda before the agreement.
- The agreement aims to challenge China’s long-standing dominance in mineral supply chains.
- U.S.-DR Congo's deal involves cooperation on economic development and security.
- The U.S. will finance infrastructure projects to support mineral transport.
- The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation plans to invest up to $1 billion in the Lobito Railway.
- A potential impact of the deal is reducing China’s influence on global minerals.
- Continued violence in eastern DR Congo could affect the agreement’s success.
